Researchers at the University of Canberra analyzed 39 studies
published to the end of 2016 to look at the effect of exercise on
overall brain capacity, attention, alertness, and memory.

They found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise
had the most benefits. The researchers highlighted tai chi, which
is actively promoted by the
NHS for its ability to "reduce stress; improve posture,
balance, and general mobility; and increase muscle strength."

"Aerobic exercise was associated with enhanced cognitive
abilities, while resistance training was significantly associated
with improvements in executive function, memory, and working
memory," Joe Northey, the lead author of the study, said in a statement. "Tai chi
also improved cognitive abilities, but this is based on a just a
few studies, so that will have to be confirmed in a larger
clinical trial."

The Chinese martial art is low-impact, so it's a good option for
people who might not have the mobility they once did, Northey
said.

He said the evidence was strong enough that aerobic and
resistance exercise should be recommended to people over 50 to
improve brain health. The study found that moderate and
vigorous exercise sessions of 45 minutes to an hour was good for
brain health, so a mixture of intense and low-impact training
would be ideal.

The NHS already recommends adults
between 19 and 64 do at least 150 minutes of physical activity
every week.